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Republic FC Grow Investor Search Team With Hon. Fabian Nez

Sacramento, Calif. – Republic FC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Nagle issued the following statement, announcing Assembly Speaker Emeritus Fabian Núñez has been engaged by Republic FC to bolster the club’s efforts to retain a new lead investor, and to assist in the completion of the club’s MLS expansion plans.

“Every day, we’re continuing down the path, moving closer by connecting with potential investors, engaging with the Commissioner’s Office, and coordinating with our partners at the City and beyond. This city, its fans, and our plan remain unmatched and ready to go – and with the right investor, we’ll be an essential element in the growth of MLS and soccer in America,” said Republic FC Chairman and CEO Kevin Nagle. “Fabian’s service to California in the legislature, experience as a partner leading a global public interest firm, and term as a US Soccer Federation Board Director, will continue to open pathways to new potential investors ready to commit to Sacramento’s future.”

Mayor Steinberg said Núñez is a good choice to help Sacramento find an investor to cement its MLS bid.

“I worked with Fabian in the Legislature when he was speaker, and he is just immensely talented and able. He really believes in Sacramento and that we are a great fit for Major League Soccer. His contacts, his expertise, and his network around the world are a big plus for us. I want to thank Kevin Nagle for bringing on such a valuable partner for our effort.”

Hon. Fabian Núñez, partner, Mercury Public Affairs, added:

“Mayor Steinberg and Kevin Nagle have tremendous vision for Sacramento with soccer as the catalyst. I’m excited to support their efforts to find a new investor that is ready to commit to this city and its unmatched fans, and begin a new chapter with Major League Soccer.”

Mayor Steinberg said Núñez is a good choice to help Sacramento find an investor to cement its MLS bid.

Hon. Fabian Núñez, partner, Mercury Public Affairs, added:

Republic FC Acquires Attacker Emil Cuello on Loan

Two goals and three assists in 16 appearances with San Antonio this season
Selected 19th overall by LA Galaxy in 2019 MLS SuperDraft
24 appearances with MLS side, including U.S. Open Cup and Leagues Cup

Two goals and three assists in 16 appearances with San Antonio this season
Selected 19th overall by LA Galaxy in 2019 MLS SuperDraft
24 appearances with MLS side, including U.S. Open Cup and Leagues Cup

Sacramento, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC announced the club has acquired midfielder Emil Cuello (kway-yo) on loan from San Antonio FC, and in a corresponding move has sent defender Mitchell Taintor on loan to San Antonio FC, pending league and federation approval. Taintor will join the Texas club through the remainder of the 2021 season after signing with Sacramento in January. Republic FC will retain the rights to Taintor at the end of the season.

“Emil’s creativity and quality will add a new dimension to our frontline. He is coming at a good time in the season to make an impact on our stretch run,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “We had not expected to loan Mitch out this season, but a situation presented itself that made sense for both the club and for Mitch. Ultimately, we need to score and create more goals, and in order to get quality, we had to send quality in return. We’ll look forward to bringing Mitch back to Sacramento after his loan spell.”

Cuello joins Republic FC after signing with San Antonio FC ahead of the 2021 season. This year, he has made 16 USL Championship appearances, including 10 starts with two goals and three assists. Prior to signing with San Antonio, Cuello spent two seasons with LA Galaxy after being drafted 19th overall in the first round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.

He logged 24 appearances with the MLS side, including two Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup appearances. In 2019, he logged six starts with LA Galaxy II in the USL Championship.

Born in Argentina before moving to Utah as a child, Cuello was a standout at the men’s soccer program at Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas). In addition to scoring the game winning penalty to claim the 2018 AAC Tournament title, Cuello earned multiple honors at SMU – including AAC All-Rookie Team, AAC Most Outstanding Offense Player, and 2018 AAC Tournament Offense Most Valuable Player. While at college, he also played for USL League Two side Ocean City Nor’easters during their 2016 semifinal run.

Cuello, who will wear #11, will be available for selection this weekend when Republic FC take on San Diego SC at Heart Health Park on Saturday, August 28. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. and the match will be broadcast on ESPN+. The Indomitable Club will salute the teachers of the region next weekend during Honor Our Educators Night. Tickets are available at www.sacrepublicfc.com/single-match-tickets and teachers can claim a special offer at www.sacrepublicfc.com/HonorOurEducators.

He logged 24 appearances with the MLS side, including two Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup appearances. In 2019, he logged six starts with LA Galaxy II in the USL Championship.

Republic FC to Raise $10,000 for Wildfire Relief, CEO & Chairman Kevin Nagle to Double Donation

Sacramento, Calif. – Earlier today, Republic FC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Nagle announced that the club will raise funds to immediately help those in dire need as a result of the Caldor Fire – and that he will personally match $10,000 in donations to the El Dorado Community Foundation.

Republic FC fans and the community-at-large can contribute directly to the foundation’s Caldor Fire Fund and provide relief resources for the thousands of people who call the region home, to help pay for housing assistance, food, pet supplies, medication, and more. Begin the donation process at www.sacrepublicfc.com/FireRelief. Residents in need can apply for $500 and $1000 grants online.

“As our neighbors, friends, and families are impacted by the sudden devastation of the Caldor Fire, we have an incredible opportunity to come together and rally around those in need,” said Republic FC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Nagle. “The El Dorado Communities have created fond memories – from school trips to Sly Park, retreats among the pine trees, and extended stays at family cabins and more – and my goal is that we can provide some help and hope, and return just a small part of that debt to those in need.”

The stark reality of wildfire destruction has come to our community and thanks to the generous support from Mr. Nagle and Republic FC’s fans, we’ll be able to help meet the immediate needs of more impacted families within the region,” said El Dorado Community Foundation Executive Director William Roby. “We’re humbled to have their support in growing the Caldor Fire Fund as the first responders work diligently to contain and limit the destruction and impact on our community.”

During Saturday’s match at Heart Health Park, youth soccer club Sierra Gold SC will assist Republic FC in collecting donations from fans and guests to grow the Caldor Fire Fund, supporting families and neighbors from the affected region. Sierra Gold SC provides opportunities for kids in Placerville and El Dorado ages 4.5 – 18 to learn and grow through soccer.

For more information, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com.

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For more information, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com.

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Around the Leagues: MLS All-Star Break Headlines Great Week of Soccer

The beautiful game continued to generate all kinds of storylines this week. As Major League Soccer gets ready to pit the league’s best against the top performers of Mexico’s Liga MX, USL play continues to deliver constant shuffling in the standings as the second half continues. Megan Rapinoe returned to NWSL play in dramatic fashion, while the Premier League continued its 30th season with a great slate of second week games.

United Soccer League

After falling to fourth in the Pacific Division table last week, Orange County SC secured a crucial win on Saturday, taking down San Diego Loyal SC 2-1. The victory lifted OCSC to second in the standing after a mid-season slide that saw them drop two of three to Phoenix, Tacoma, and cross-town rival Galaxy II.

The Atlantic Division continued to see shuffling at the top in Week 18. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC defeated Atlanta United after a draw with Tampa Bay Wednesday, while Miami came away victorious over Hartford Athletic. The Division now sees three squads within three points of each other for first place, and three squads all tied for fourth with 27.

Louisville City FC had their four-match win streak snapped by OKC Energy FC in a 0-0 draw Saturday. They remain ahead in the standings however, with Birmingham Legion FC’s loss to FC Tulsa on Sunday.

Premier League

Arsenal fell 2-0 for the second straight match, this time at home to Chelsea, who entered the weekend missing a number of key contributors. The Gunners now find themselves as one of just five clubs to drop their first two matches, while Chelsea finishes week two on top of the league table.

Brentford’s positive start to their first season in the Premier League continued on Saturday. The club came away with a point in a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace, and will look to claim points for the third straight match when they take on Aston Villa, who has split their first two. The West London club is one of five clubs that has yet to concede a goal so far this season.

After the season’s first two weeks, Manchester United holds the league lead in scoring, bagging a combined six goals against Southampton and Leeds. Five of their scores have come off assists from Paul Pogba, and three have come off the feet of Bruno Fernandes, who leads the Premier League in the category. Chelsea, Liverpool, and Everton have all tallied five scores in their first two matches.

Major League Soccer

Following their tenth straight match without a loss over the weekend, San Jose Earthquakes climbed into a playoff spot after taking down LA Galaxy 2-1. The Western Conference remains crowded, however, as five clubs — San Jose, Vancouver, Dallas, Portland, and LAFC — all sit within four points of each other for the final playoff spot.

New England kept their strong season going with a 3-2 victory over D.C. United, widening their already comfortable Conference lead over Orlando, who drew with Nashville 1-1 over the weekend, to 15 points. Atlanta gained ground with a win over last-place Toronto, pushing the Georgia club into a tie with D.C. United for the East’s last playoff spot.

MLS gets a break this week as the League’s all-star festivities commence from Los Angeles. For the first time, this year’s event will feature the MLS All-Stars against their counterparts from Mexico’s Liga MX in a match sure to bring plenty of interest. Kickoff is set for Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. PT.

NWSL

NWSL play delivered some exciting contests over the weekend as the push for playoff position continues.

OL Regin continued their climb in the standings over the weekend with a 2-1 victory over Gotham FC. After going into the final minutes tied 2-2, USWNT veteran Megan Rapinoe converted on a penalty in the 91st minute, securing both a brace and three points for the Washington club in her first appearance since June 26.

NWSL play delivered some exciting contests over the weekend as the push for playoff position continues.

Washington took down Orlando Pride in an exciting matchup on Saturday. Orlando broke the 0-0 tie midway through the second half,but Washington wouldn’t wait around to break even, finding the net just a minute later. Spirit forward Ashley Sanchez would net a spectacular goal from 25 yards out in the 89th minute, securing the nation’s capitol a victory and a tie for third place.

Three Takeaways from #SACvPHX

An offensively and defensively sound performance from the Boys in Old Glory Red earned Republic FC a draw at Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday night at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. The scoreless draw between the two sides snapped a 32-game scoring streak for Rising FC and keeps SRFC in the thick of the Pacific Division race.

1. Midfield Maintains Form

Republic FC’s midfield unit performed well for the second straight match. In his second start back from injury, Jaime Villarreal created three chances for the Indomitable club while serving in seven crosses. Academy product Mario Penagos’ first of two shots on the night nearly put the club ahead going into the break, but his right-footed shot would ricochet off the post.

Luis Felipe finished Saturday’s match with 87% passing accuracy and led the team with 76 touches. Felipe’s performance was excellent on the defensive end, as he finished with a team high seven clearances and two blocked shots to go with a game-high seven successful tackles.

“I thought all three of them were exceptional again tonight,” said Coach Mark Briggs. “I thought Jaime was very good moving the ball, Luis, especially in possession, was finding good pockets, allowing us to play between lines and switch the point of attack. I thought Mario was very, very good creating opportunities for us tonight.”

2. Pressure’s On

Republic FC’s attacking corps came to play in Saturday’s divisional showdown. The Indomitable Club threw 15 shots at Rising FC and created 13 chances for the night, paced by three from Jaime Villarreal.

Second half urgency was a major theme for Sacramento in Arizona, as eight of the club’s nine shots on target came in the final 45. Cam Iwasa led the way, putting four shots on frame as Republic FC generated eight opportunities from close range and served up 10 open play crosses.

3. Stifling Defense

In addition to conceding just one shot in the second half, Republic FC allowed just two shots on goal all night. SRFC’s midfield and back line cracked down on an upstart Phoenix offense, finishing the night with four blocked shots and keeping half of Phoenix’s scoring chances to long range The Boys in Old Glory Red also cut Phoenix’s open play cross tally to three in the second half.

The defensive performance not only secured Republic FC its fourth clean sheet of the season, it marked the first time that Phoenix has been held scoreless all year. Rising FC had scored in 32 consecutive matches dating back to July of 2020, and had been shut out just twice dating back to 2019 across 59 regular season matches.

Match Recap: Republic FC 0-0 Phoenix Rising FC

CHANDLER, Arizona (August 21, 2021) – Sacramento Republic FC put its best foot forward on both ends of the pitch on Saturday, playing Phoenix Rising FC to a 0-0 draw at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex in Chandler, Arizona.

Saturday was the fourth clean sheet on the year for the Boys in Old Glory Red, snapping a 32-match scoring streak for Phoenix that dated back to 2019. Republic FC held Rising FC to 11 shots on the night – including only two on target – the second lowest for the Arizona side this season. The Indomitable Club cranked the pressure creating 15 opportunities on the night, forcing Phoenix’s keeper to make a season high 9 saves to preserve a point.

Offense from the Indomitable Club continued its early press, as Shannon Gomez made a trailing run into the box midway through the first half off a backheel from Kharlton Belmar. Jaime Villarreal made his second start back from injury with 36 touches in the first half and a team-high 16 passes in the attacking half. While finishing with 68 touches and an 80.4 pass completion rate on the offensive end, Villarreal stepped in front of a low cross in front of Gomez in the 33rd minute to interrupt a sure chance for Rising FC.

Republic FC’s aggressive press in the offensive third continued as Villarreal and the rest of the midfield rose to form. Mario Penagos went for goal following a 27th minute free kick, only to have his shot from outside the 18 pushed left. Minutes later, Villareal played a ball in the attacking midfield to Darek Formella, whose shot was deflected on its way to the net.

The Indomitable Club created two chances before the halftime break, both stemming from Penagos. The midfielder played a ball into the attacking half for a running Cam Iwasa, who found himself one-on-one with a defender but was unable to find the back of the net. Penagos also fired a shot off the post before both teams headed into halftime.

Chances continued into the second half, as Villarreal played a ball off in the 48th minute to midfield partner Penagos, whose right-footed chip went off the far post. A scorching set piece from Formella and a diving header from Iwasa, pressed Phoenix’s keeper into action to preserve the stalemate.

Republic FC allowed just three open play crosses and zero corner kicks in the closing 45 minutes while conversely earning 10 open play crosses and five corners.

With another crucial point in the Pacific Division race, the Indomitable Club returns to Heart Health Park on August 28 for an 8:00 p.m. kickoff against San Diego Loyal SC. Saturday’s matchup with the San Diego side will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Republic FC allowed just three open play crosses and zero corner kicks in the closing 45 minutes while conversely earning 10 open play crosses and five corners.

Sacramento Republic FC 0-0 Phoenix Rising FC

USL Championship

Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex at Wild Horse Pass, Chandler, Arizona

August 21, 2021

Sacramento Republic FC 0-0 Phoenix Rising FC

USL Championship

Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex at Wild Horse Pass, Chandler, Arizona

August 21, 2021

Scoring Summary: None

Misconduct Summary: PHX – Musa (caution) 27’; SAC – Formella (caution) 37’; SAC – S. Gomez (caution) 41’; PHX – Egbo (caution) 51’; PHX – Quinn (caution) 69’; PHX – Farrell (caution 84’; SAC – Pennanen (caution) 88’

Sacramento Republic FC: Tomas Gomez, Shannon Gomez, Duke Lacroix, Dan Casey (Fatai Alashe 85’), Nabi Kibunguchy, Luis Felipe, Kharlton Belmar (Maalique Foster 78’), Jaime Villarreal, Mario Penagos (Pete Pennanen 78’), Darek Formella, Cam Iwasa

Unused substitutes: Rafael Diaz, Jordan McCrary, Rafael Jauregui, Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu

Stats – Shots: 15, Shots on Goal: 9, Saves: 2, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 6, Offsides: 1.

Phoenix Rising FC: Andre Rawls, James Musa, Tate Schmitt, Darnell King (Noah Billingsley 90’), Joseph Farrell, Kevon Lambert (Ryan Flood 90’), Jon Bakero (Arturo Rodriguez 62’), Aodhan Quinn, Solomon Asante (Joey Calistri 52’), Santi Moar, David Egbo (Prince Saydee 62’)

Unused substitutes: Benjamin Lundt, Manuel Madrid

Stats – Shots: 11, Shots on Goal: 2, Saves: 9, Fouls: 13, Corner Kicks: 7, Offsides: 1.

Scoring Summary: None

Unused substitutes: Rafael Diaz, Jordan McCrary, Rafael Jauregui, Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu

Stats – Shots: 15, Shots on Goal: 9, Saves: 2, Fouls: 12, Corner Kicks: 6, Offsides: 1.

Unused substitutes: Benjamin Lundt, Manuel Madrid

Stats – Shots: 11, Shots on Goal: 2, Saves: 9, Fouls: 13, Corner Kicks: 7, Offsides: 1.

In Their Own Words: We All Love a Challenge

Now with a result in six consecutive contests, Republic FC hits the road again for a high-level matchup against an offensively potent Phoenix Rising FC club on Saturday. The Pacific Division race is heating up and picking up points in the desert would go a long way in a tight playoff race.

Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs

On training ahead of the club’s third matchup this season with Phoenix Rising FC…

“It’s been a good week of training. We worked on a lot of tactical things and phases of play. We’ve just been reiterating who we’ve been over the past few weeks. I feel the boys are in a good spot. The boys are prepared, and now it’s about going down and playing against a very good Phoenix team.”

On training ahead of the club’s third matchup this season with Phoenix Rising FC…

On this week’s message to the team ahead of Saturday’s game…

“It’s being prepared. It's understanding what we want to do tactically from a defensive standpoint and understanding what we want to do when we have the ball. The other message is our players understanding Phoenix’s weaknesses, and how we can exploit those weaknesses. We’ve gone through everything, and we've prepared. The players ready to go and we have to make sure we put in a good performance. When you play against the best teams, you need all your players to perform at a high level.”

On the importance of the upcoming weeks in the Pacific Division race…

“Every game’s big, but for us, it's about concentrating on the next game. The standings will take care of themselves. We've just got to focus on what's next and do our job in that game. Then once you do that, go on to the next one. That's the most important thing.”

On this week’s message to the team ahead of Saturday’s game…

“It’s being prepared. It’s understanding what we want to do tactically from a defensive standpoint and understanding what we want to do when we have the ball. The other message is our players understanding Phoenix’s weaknesses, and how we can exploit those weaknesses. We’ve gone through everything, and we’ve prepared. The players ready to go and we have to make sure we put in a good performance. When you play against the best teams, you need all your players to perform at a high level.”

On the importance of the upcoming weeks in the Pacific Division race…

“Every game’s big, but for us, it’s about concentrating on the next game. The standings will take care of themselves. We’ve just got to focus on what’s next and do our job in that game. Then once you do that, go on to the next one. That’s the most important thing.”

Republic FC Dan Casey

On keeping Republic FC’s recent defensive success up against Phoenix…

“This is going to be a tough challenge, but it's what we love to do. It's a challenge, and we all love a challenge. We want to compare ourselves against some of the best teams, so we have to be on our game and hopefully we can go and put a good performance out.”

On the importance of getting another three points at Heart Health Park…

“It was good. It was well needed for the fans and for us. The fans, they're always cheering us on. We haven't been able to get enough results there, so hopefully we can get a few more and go on a little run.”

On getting Maalique Foster and Jaime Villarreal back from injury…

“It was huge to see the two boys last week. They were brilliant. We've been unlucky with injuries this year, but we're starting to come good now. Hopefully everyone's fit and fighting for places, which just keeps good competitiveness in the squad.”

On keeping Republic FC’s recent defensive success up against Phoenix…

“This is going to be a tough challenge, but it’s what we love to do. It’s a challenge, and we all love a challenge. We want to compare ourselves against some of the best teams, so we have to be on our game and hopefully we can go and put a good performance out.”

On the importance of getting another three points at Heart Health Park…

“It was good. It was well needed for the fans and for us. The fans, they’re always cheering us on. We haven’t been able to get enough results there, so hopefully we can get a few more and go on a little run.”

On getting Maalique Foster and Jaime Villarreal back from injury…

“It was huge to see the two boys last week. They were brilliant. We’ve been unlucky with injuries this year, but we’re starting to come good now. Hopefully everyone’s fit and fighting for places, which just keeps good competitiveness in the squad.”

Republic FC Rockstar Week 3: Second-Grade Teacher Tyler Long

Throughout August, Republic FC and Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain are recognizing the contributions and supports of community members during the pandemic and beyond. Every week a new Republic FC Rockstar will be selected from the fan and community nominations. The Indomitable Club and Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento are calling on fans to nominate a Rockstar – frontline or essential worker who made an impact during the last 18 months, a veteran or active-duty member of the Armed Forces, a dedicated teacher or passionate volunteer, or one of the countless stories of service, support and indomitable spirit of the region – and share a story of a community champion. A Rockstar will be selected weekly and honored, with a grand prize including a hosted stay at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento and a VIP experience at a Republic FC match.

Tyler Long, a second-grade teacher at Arlington Heights Elementary in the San Juan School District is this week’s Republic FC Rockstar. Long’s commitment to his students began long before the pandemic, but the challenges of distance learning – and the new environment his students are experiencing, are an example of how he embodies the Indomitable Spirit. Throughout every lesson, Tyler encourages his students to strive for academic, social, and personal growth by remaining upbeat and positive.

Virtual classrooms have put a damper on learning for many students, but Tyler went above and beyond by working hard to connect with his students daily with enthusiastic teaching.

“Being a teacher is the biggest reward that you can have in every way but getting that feeling reciprocated back towards me is incredible,” Long says. “Now that we are back in the classroom, I love seeing the kids in person. Even though I can’t see their smiles [behind their masks], they are smiling with their facial expressions. Just having them in the classroom and having the conversations with them is something I cherish.”

Virtual classrooms have put a damper on learning for many students, but Tyler went above and beyond by working hard to connect with his students daily with enthusiastic teaching.

Long also runs programs for his students outside of school including coaching basketball, reading for fun, or taking them on field trips virtual or in-person.

Tyler Long’s story of being a community rockstar is even more incredible with the fact that he has been battling cancer during the past year and a half.

“In March of 2021, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and I don’t know where I would be right now in my life if it wasn’t for my wife,” Long says. “She essentially saved my life. Dealing with the pandemic and finding out new news, it's been emotional, to say the least.”

Long persevered through his health complications and continued to inspire children in the virtual classroom and is now cancer-free.

What Tyler Long had been going through personally during the pandemic and through all of that remaining a positive influence on his students is the definition of indomitable.

Nominate a Rockstar in our community now at www.sacrepublicfc.com/hardrock.

Long also runs programs for his students outside of school including coaching basketball, reading for fun, or taking them on field trips virtual or in-person.

Tyler Long’s story of being a community rockstar is even more incredible with the fact that he has been battling cancer during the past year and a half.

Long persevered through his health complications and continued to inspire children in the virtual classroom and is now cancer-free.

What Tyler Long had been going through personally during the pandemic and through all of that remaining a positive influence on his students is the definition of indomitable.

Nominate a Rockstar in our community now at www.sacrepublicfc.com/hardrock.

What to Watch Across the USL: Week 18

Almost all divisions in USL are seeing a tight race as the league enters the second half of the season. This week, movement in the standings is sure to continue in every division, including one that could see a new first place team this weekend.

Pacific Division Update

This week’s matchups in the Pacific Division remain crucial to the playoff race. Results from both Saturday and Wednesday caused some shuffling in the standings, with more movement likely to come this weekend.

Sacramento, who will look to claim points in their seventh straight against Phoenix this week, climbed to fifth on Saturday after coming back to beat Las Vegas 2-1. Tacoma took both of their contests leading up to this weekend, propelling them into a second place tie with San Diego, who put down Las Vegas 5-1.

Coupled with a hot stretch from Tacoma, a recent slide for Orange County has dropped the SoCal club to fourth in the division table.

El Paso Locomotive FC vs. Rio Grande Valley Toros FC

While El Paso sits comfortably ahead of the Toros in the Mountain Division, this week’s matchup between in-state rivals holds plenty of meaning for both squads.

Despite drawing with New Mexico United last week in a highly contentious matchup that saw them finish with ten men, El Paso remains hot. The club has momentum on their side, securing the draw with New Mexico at death’s doorstep following a corner kick in the 96th minute. They have won seven of their last nine, including a stretch of four in a row from July 28 to August 7.

While El Paso sits comfortably ahead of the Toros in the Mountain Division, this week’s matchup between in-state rivals holds plenty of meaning for both squads.

Rio Grande Valley will look to knock off the Mountain Division leaders, who haven’t lost since June. The Toros will come into the contest with some confidence despite having claimed just one point in their last three matches, as they took down El Paso in the two club’s last meeting on June 30.

Birmingham Legion FC vs. FC Tulsa

Saturday’s meeting between Central Division foes will be the third this season.

Tulsa won the most recent derby between the two clubs, taking down Birmingham 3-1. Looking to get back into playoff position, they’ll need to turn things around as they have lost five of their last six matches.

Birmingham stands as a formidable foe for Tulsa- they’ve posted five clean sheets on the season and are led on the offensive end by forward Neco Brett, who is currently tied for second in the league in scoring.They enter the week coming off a draw with 7th place Memphis, who sit just one point behind Tulsa.

Saturday’s meeting between Central Division foes will be the third this season.

The Miami FC vs. Hartford Athletic

Having grappled for position all season, the two East Coast clubs meet for the finaltime this weekend.

Hartford Athletic will look to pull closer to the Atlantic’s top three and secure their third victory over Miami this season. Their high-flying offense ranks fifth in goals scored and first in conversion percentage this season and matches up well with Miami, who has recorded just two clean sheets all year.

Having grappled for position all season, the two East Coast clubs meet for the finaltime this weekend.

Sunday’s matchup is big for Miami, who could find themselves in a tie for first place in the Atlantic Division with a win. They have claimed points in every match since the start of August, scoring seven times en route to two wins and two draws.

Match Preview: Republic FC v Phoenix Rising FC

The boys in Old Glory Red will be looking for a swift return to winning ways this weekend when Mark Briggs’ men welcome division-leaders Phoenix Rising FC to Heart Health Park this Saturday.

Mark Briggs’ men will also be donning the Quail Kit for the very first time – the club’s new fan-inspired third kit for the 2021 USL Championship campaign.

After Sacramento was handed its first loss of the season last weekend, the squad is fully focused on earning three points against the southwestern side that brought a premature end to its 2020 playoff run.

The boys in Old Glory Red will be looking for a swift return to winning ways this weekend when Mark Briggs’ men welcome division-leaders Phoenix Rising FC to Heart Health Park this Saturday.

Mark Briggs’ men will also be donning the Quail Kit for the very first time – the club’s new fan-inspired third kit for the 2021 USL Championship campaign.

At a Glance: #SACvPHX

Saturday, May 29
7:30 p.m. PT kickoff
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, Calif.
How to Watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV Sacramento (Spanish,) ESPN+ (digital)

At a Glance: #SACvPHX

Saturday, May 29
7:30 p.m. PT kickoff
Heart Health Park, Sacramento, Calif.
How to Watch: KQCA My58, Estrella TV Sacramento (Spanish,) ESPN+ (digital)

What's the latest on the team?

What’s the latest on the team?

Republic FC (2-1-0, 6 points) suffered its first loss of the 2021 campaign after opening its regular season with two consecutive victories.

A first half goal from Chris Wehan was the difference in SRFC’s 1-0 defeat to Orange County SC last Saturday night.

Against the SoCal club, the boys in Old Glory Red managed to out-shoot – 12 to 11 – out-possess – 60% to 40% – and create more scoring chances – 9 to 8 – than the hosts.

A first half goal from Chris Wehan was the difference in SRFC’s 1-0 defeat to Orange County SC last Saturday night.

Against the SoCal club, the boys in Old Glory Red managed to out-shoot – 12 to 11 – out-possess – 60% to 40% – and create more scoring chances – 9 to 8 – than the hosts.

Mark Briggs’ men currently sit in fourth place in the Pacific Division through three games but a win against Phoenix could see the side soar as high as first place. Rising FC currently have a hold of the top spot with nine points.

What about the visitors?

Phoenix is off to a flying start, having claimed all three points in three of its four opening fixtures.

Through four games, Rising FC has surrendered just four goals which is currently tied for sixth-fewest in the Western Conference.

Offensively, the 2020 Western Conference titleholders are firing on all cylinders just like last season, as Phoenix has already netted the most goals in the league this campaign – 13 – and Rising FC’s 88 shots is almost 20 shots more than the club with the second-most shots registered in 2021.

While Rising FC has a pair of lethal strikers in the form of Solomon Asante – the 2019 and 2020 USL Championship MVP – and Rufat Dadashov, it’s been Santi Moar who has been lighting up the scoreboard for Phoenix this season. Moar’s team-best four goals is currently tied for the second-most in the entire league while his two assists are not only the most on Rising FC in 2021 but tied for the most in the Championship as well.

Head-to-Head

In Sacramento, Republic FC has never lost to Rising FC.

Over seven all-time encounters in the California capitol, the boys in Old Glory Red have only allowed one goal to the southwestern offensive juggernaut. It’s been 563 straight minutes since Phoenix last found the back of the net in Sacramento.

The last two matches between the two clubs in California ended nil-nil.

In the all-time series, the Indomitable Club has six victories from 15 total fixtures and has outscored Rising FC 16 to 13.

Overall (USL regular season & playoffs): 6-4-5
Home: 3-0-4 (GF: 5, GA: 1)
Away: 3-4-1 (GF: 11, GA: 12)

In the all-time series, the Indomitable Club has six victories from 15 total fixtures and has outscored Rising FC 16 to 13.

Overall (USL regular season & playoffs): 6-4-5
Home: 3-0-4 (GF: 5, GA: 1)
Away: 3-4-1 (GF: 11, GA: 12)

Viewing Locations

The fourth watch party of the 2021 season is all set for Republic FC’s Saturday night showdown with Phoenix Rising FC at a number of locations around town for supporters to get together and cheer on the Indomitable Club.

Reservations are strongly recommended and select locations will be offering specials to supporters wearing their Republic FC gear. All four Zocalo locations will be offering free appetizers to fans wearing their SRFC gear.

Viewing locations include all Zocalo locations (Midtown, UV, Fountains, Folsom), University of Beer, Capitol Beer and Taproom, Capitol Hop Shop, The Hop Gardens and Public House.